ZION

 

Rally Sunday – Rosemary Blake

As we look forward to another great Sunday School year starting with rally day this Sunday we
also look forward to confirmation classes, communion and youth group all culminating in
Confirmation Sunday which is usually in May. It is a renewal for adults as well as for the kids.
Today we honor Robert Craigin Jr. He was a member of Zion in the 1960’s along with his
parents. He was active in everything that Zion had to offer at the time.  He eventually enlisted in
the Army. He was a First Lieutenant in the Viet Nam war. He would send letters back home
about his experience. Unfortunately he was killed on February 26, 1968 at the age of 23. After
his death, Robert’s family donated a memorial in his name to Zion Lutheran Church which
provided 12 symbols for each of the Apostles. They were restored a few years ago and are
hanging on the wall next to the stairs as you enter the sanctuary. Please take time to look at this
beautiful memorial. We have had many pass though theal halls of Zion through the years. Their
faith likely with a rally day like we are about to experience and they have grown up and continue
to serve as they feel called to do so. Thank you to all of the dedicated teachers who have made
this possible through the years and to all who continue to serve!

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Zion’s Time Capsule – Rosemary Blake
Did you know that there a is a time capsule buried on church grounds? Apparently it is located
in the flower garden between the handicapped ramp and the driveway on the south side of the
church. Trudy Hudson has been looking into this for the 150 th  anniversary and she recently
found it! She has marked so we know where to find it when we dig it up. It was buried on
September 8, 1997. The previous time capsule was buried in the same place in 1982 and
unearthed on Sept 6 1997 as a 125 th  Anniversary Event. Trudy has suggested that we invite
former members of the 125 th  anniversary committee and get publicity from the Gazette
newspaper. Thank you Trudy for this wonderful find. We can’t wait to see what is in this time
capsule! This continues to be an exciting time in the life of Zion! We will keep you informed as
plans unfold! 

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Zion Lutheran Cemetery – Rosemary Blake
Have you ever wondered about the cemetery that the church owns?  The Zion Lutheran
Cemetery was founded in 1884 to serve Zion’s members and immediate family. The site of the
original cemetery was bounded by Becker and Furman Streets, adjacent to the site of the
original church. The price of the lots were: along the driveways a 12 x 16 lot was 12 dollars and
16x16 lot was 16 dollars. Plots not along the driveways were 10 dollars and 16 dollars. Lots 15
and 16 were 14 dollars. Lot 226 was 17 dollars. Singles graves for children under 12 were 1
dollar and over 12 were 2 dollars. In 1889 the unsold cemetery lots were raised by 1 dollar. By
1896 228 people had been interred in the cemetery.  In 1903 the church purchased 8.5 acres of
land on Albany Street for a new cemetery. The graves from the Becker and Furman Street site
moved to the new cemetery. In 1945 4 acres at the rear of the property were leased to the City
of Schenectady for temporary housing. In 1968 The leased land was sold to the Schenectady
County Municipal Housing Development Council. This then became the Municipal Housing
Authority. In 1974 One acre of wooded land was purchased west of the rear part of the
cemetery.

 

 

 

Rosemary Blake reflects on Confirmation Class:
"Children have always played a big part in our life at Zion.   Confirmation class has evolved quite a bit in recent years. Historically, the children have had two years of instruction before they affirmed their faith and joined the church as adults. The classes have changed over the years from classroom study and memorization of catechism and Bible verses to being a time when the children can share their thoughts and concerns and have a discussion about what is going on in their lives. They learn how growing in their faith will help them to better handle life situations. One of the highlights of confirmation class is for the children to pick a Bible verse that resonates with them as a class.  They then make a large banner with the verse, the confirmation date, and their names on it. Through the years on Confirmation Sunday, we have displayed these banners in church. It is wonderful to look at these and remind us of our own faith journey as well as of when our children were confirmed. In the past, the confirmands wore robes or dressed up for the service but even now in less formal times they take part in the service for a truly joyous time in the church. Confirmation Sunday usually takes place in May which has always been something to look forward to!"  

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Did you know that Zion has a hiking group?
It was started around 2013 or 2014 by Pastor Tietz who was our youth pastor at the time. Twice a month Bruce Heap picks hikes in the area. He lists them and their degree of difficulty with dates, times and locations. The hikers meet on a Saturday or Sunday twice a month and go hiking for the afternoon. They often carpool to the sites.  Bruce then posts pictures on Facebook for all to see. There are always smiling faces to see as they hike the trails.  The usual hikers include Bruce, Ruth and Marie LaBrie, Robin Olander, The Masi’s, the Manning’s, the Pelletier's, the Wang's and others. I have even gone on a few! Anyone can join and there is much fun to be had! The hikers even do an area wide hike on July 5th every year up in Lake George. Please consider joining us for a great time!  See you on the trails!
                                  - Rosemary Blake 

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